Signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients at increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

AIMS: We aimed to study carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in asymptomatic patients with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and in a pre-diabetic state. METHODS: Diabetes risk assessment was performed in 2420 participants in a voluntary screening program between 2011 and 2013. The risk of T2DM was estimated by the Findrisc scoring system (FR). A FR>/=12 was considered as increased risk. HbA1c% between 5.7 and 6.4% signified a pre-diabetic state. Carotid duplex scan was performed and CIMT above 0.9 mm was regarded as pathological. Patients with T2DM or a history of cardiovascular disease were excluded. RESULTS: Overall 1475 subjects were included. Four groups were compared: "control" (normal HbA1c, FR. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of Findrisc score and HbA1c at population level may facilitate early recognition of subclinical vascular complications even in the pre-diabetic state.